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I had never heard about orphan trains so it was interesting to read even a fictional story about these children's plights. From the late 1800's to the late 1920's, about 200,000 orphans were taken by train from the east coast (NYC) out west to be takI had never heard about orphan trains so it was interesting to read even a fictional story about these children's plights. From the late 1800's to the late 1920's, about 200,000 orphans were taken by train from the east coast (NYC) out west to be taken in (not necessarily adopted) by anyone willing.

I didn't care about the parallel story about an orphan in 2011. I felt her character and the situation with foster parent, Dina, was a little one-dimensional.

From the 90 year old's story, though, I did have a few take-aways...-things don't matter, people do!-personality is shaped by the things that happen to us before and during our teen years (as a parent, this is especially powerful)

Happy endings are a plus for me (i know, I'm lame and can't stand anything depressing). This book's ending was very bittersweet. I was SO disappointed that Maizie & Carmen were both found and lost again!!! ...and, her husband had to die, too?! I know the author included the daughter & mom reuniting as a positive spin on a sad story, but for me it was too little too late....more